A large piece of the puzzle has fallen into place at Wangaratta Rovers for their A grade netball aspirations in 2026, with beloved daughter of the club, Sami Kreltszheim, announcing her return.

The Kreltszheim name is well known at WJ Findlay Oval, and Sami’s record is beyond reproach: a three-time A grade best and fairest winner, Rovers life member, on-court and off-court leader, and star goaler, for a start.

After spending the 2025 season with Goulburn Valley League outfit Euroa, helping them go all the way to the A grade grand final, Kreltszheim said it was good to be back where she belongs.

“It feels like coming home,” she said.

“The reasoning behind the year at Euroa was to challenge myself - I knew that if I didn't give it a go now, I would never do it.

“I wanted to have to prove myself in a team, to play with some different people and learn how to win.

“I didn't have to worry about being the leader, I only had to worry about my game.

“I know it's going to be a big challenge coming back into a side that has not seen much success, but I'm excited to see what I can bring back to the club after a year away.”

The Rovers finished with the wooden spoon in 2025, winning just one game from their 18 starts last season, but Kreltszheim said the Hawks were set to rise sooner rather than later.

“It's not going to be easy to rebuild but it's exciting coming off the success from the 17s and C grade,” she said.

“There are lots of talented girls coming through.

“A big thing that Rovers have struggled with is retaining players, we always seem to be starting new each season and having to build connections again.

“It sounds like most of the girls are staying on next year so that's a big step in the right direction.”

Rovers A grade coach Stacey Lamb said Kreltszheim would be invaluable to the Hawks on and off the court.

“Sami is an important piece to Wangaratta Rovers netball, not only what she gives us out on court as a player but also as a person,” Lamb said.

“She is a three-time club A grade best and fairest winner, so she can play netball, but she is also a life member of this club.

“Retention is so important to our improvement - while Sami is classed as a recruit, returning to us from Euroa, she is Rovers.

“I see her time away as a real positive, she has experienced another league, club and played under some really good coaches and with strong players.

“Her committing early to play with us and buying into what we are doing at Rovers is awesome.

“I shared with Sami our plans and she is really excited to be a part of it.

“She will give us experience out on court, leadership, speed and smarts and is a versatile player positional wise.”

Wangaratta Rovers are holding their senior netball trials on Tuesday, 11 November, Thursday, 13 November, and Tuesday, 18 November, from 6pm-7.30pm at the Rovers netball courts.